As muse, Nickelback and Limp Bizkit join The Darkness in bringing rock to the masses this month it is worth noting this clutch of new kids on the soft metal block are simply treading a well worn path.

As muse, Nickelback and Limp Bizkit join The Darkness in bringing rock to the masses this month it is worth noting this clutch of new kids on the soft metal block are simply treading a well worn path.

And as a nation glows in the wholesome goodness that is the Great Rock Revolution (Grr), it is perhaps apt that the fore- father of all things loud has unleashed his latest collection of raw sounds and riotous ramblings.

Alice Cooper has become one of the genre's most prolific artists in the 21st century - three decades after drink, drugs and debauchery almost killed him off. But it's a while since the legendary showman of the 1970s has released anything as dramatic as this month's return to form.

The Eyes of Alice Cooper (Spitfire) revisits Cooper's Detroit roots at a time when the city's most famous acts have sparked a rock revival led by the brilliant White Stripes.

"The vitality of the new garage rock bands feels very familiar to me since that was the Alice Cooper Band's original sound," said the man behind the eye make-up. "I went back to that sound for the new album and recorded it live in a garage studio.

"I'm revisiting my Detroit roots and it's the most fun I've had doing an album since Killer."

The Eyes of Alice Cooper may not cause chart heroes The Darkness any sleepless nights but the saviours of Britain's soft metal scene are under pressure to maintain sales of Permission To Land after heavyweight rock releases this week.

The magnificent new offering from Muse, Absolution, has been described as the rock record of the year while Limp Bizkit's Results May Vary is well worth a listen.

But if you prefer your rock with no frills and plenty of fury then Nickelback's The Long Road (Roadrunner) is September's must-have record. Chad and the boys have delivered a superb follow-up to Silver Side Up.

Don't be fooled by sleepy single Someday - this is a raging slab of rugged rock guaranteed to keep the Canadian posse in the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed.